A: Florida law requires that all automatic outdoor irrigation systems installed after 1991 be equipped with a rain sensor. A rain sensor prevents an irrigation system from working during a rainfall and during the period immediately after a rainfall.

A: Always irrigate your lawn before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. on your watering days. Never water your lawn between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. This is the period of highest evaporation rate and most of the water will only go up into the air versus on your grass.

A: Under Titusville's outside irrigation restrictions, you may irrigate your yard with a hose on any day at any time of day, as long as that hose has an automatic shutoff nozzle. An automatic shutoff nozzle is a nozzle that shuts off the water when you let go of the nozzle. Setting the nozzle so that it does not shut off upon release or laying a hose on the ground and allowing it to run is prohibited. If you attach the hose to a sprinkler, you must follow the irrigation restrictions.

A: No. The irrigation schedules allow you to water on a specific day. If you miss your watering day, you must wait until your next scheduled watering day or water by hand using a hose with an automatic shut off nozzle.

A: Mulch is great to use in planting beds because it helps to retain moisture. Some natural mulches also provide nutrients for your soil. Mulch is also a great alternative to bare sand or even grass in some areas because it can help prevent erosion and does not require constant maintenance.

A: You should only water your lawn when it needs it. Are the leaf blades folded? Do footprints remain in it? Is it a blue-grey color? All of these are signs that turf needs water. According to Titusville's irrigation restrictions, during Eastern Standard Time you may irrigate your lawn only once a week. During Daylight Saving Time, you may irrigate your lawn up to twice a week. Remember, both restrictions are a maximum. Often lawns, especially those with large bedding areas and plantings, can be irrigated less often and still maintain good health. Over-watering your yard makes it less drought tolerant and encourages mold and fungal growth.

A: No. Your irrigation day starts at 12:01 a.m. and ends at 11:59 p.m., with no watering between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Leaving your controller set at your current times would put in you in violation of Titusville's irrigation restrictions and you would be subject to fines.

A: Call the Conservation Office at (321) 567-3865. A flyer noting the restrictions will be sent to your neighbor. If inappropriate irrigation continues, they may be subject to fines. Fines start at $100 per occurrence.

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